This is going to be frustrating, because many of the signs and symptoms, for these three disorders, are very similar. Keep in mind the following:

Autism and Asperger’s affect mostly boys (approx 75% of cases), Rett’s is associated only with girls. Rett’s has many Autistic-like symptoms, but also includes a higher incidence of seizures, other neurological issues, and physical issues. Asperger’s is considered to be the ‘mild’ form of Autism, and tends to mostly affect social behaviors.

Make it easy to understood:

Autism + Aspergers- no known cause many scientists think they are the same disorder but just at separate ends of the sepctrum.

Aspergers = social problems and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. There is usually no mental retardation, IQs are in the normal/high range.

Autistm- same problems as Aspergers, but also language problems such as delays, muteism, etc. Often associated with mental retardation in about 75% of autists .

Rett- oooh, that’s a different one all together. There is a known cause for it (a gene abnormality), normal early development, then a regression into autism-like symptoms, followed by motor problems. The autistic symptoms often go away (but not always!) This one is apretty serious disease…

Gender differences: Autism has about a 4:1 male to female ratio, Aspergers about at 15:1 male to female ratio, and Rett’s is ONLY in girls (tho subtypes with males have been found).